American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma has listed a number of criteria for when a trauma surgeon should participate in the management of pediatric trauma in the Emergency Department.
Criteria:
(1) age-specific hypotension
(2) respiratory compromise or obstruction, need for intubation
(3) Glasgow Coma Score <8 attributed to trauma
(4) penetrating gunshot wound to neck, chest or abdomen
(5) transfer from another hospital AND blood transfusion to maintain vital signs
(6) physician decision
where:
• Criterion 4 could be modified to include all penetrating trauma.
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